On the London night occasion on the O2 Area, Lewis Hamilton’s eyes and expression had been akin to these of Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar. The thrill of the three rookies, who’re about to contest their first System 1 Grand Prix in a number of weeks, was anticipated—far much less in order that of a seven-time world champion with 356 Grand Prix begins and 105 wins. Lower than 24 hours after the London occasion, throughout a media session in Maranello, Lewis Hamilton reiterated the combination of enthusiasm and optimism that’s guiding him into his nineteenth System 1 season.
The primary side Lewis emphasised was his confidence within the crew’s potential, strengthened by what he described as the proper mindset to win the world championship. “Sure, I’ve no doubts,” he advised in an interview with the Italian every day newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve labored previously with two groups (McLaren and Mercedes) which have each gained world championships, so I do know what a successful crew seems like. At Ferrari, everybody has a really calm method, and nobody thinks they’re good—the mentality is ‘we should maintain bettering.’ They usually depart nothing to probability.” – the British driver identified.
Expectations? “It’s too early to understand how issues will go; we all know it is going to be a really shut season among the many high groups. I’m adapting to a brand new manner of working, and the aim is to be prepared for the primary race. However clearly, we haven’t but been on observe alongside our rivals, so we are able to’t know their degree.”
On a extra private word, Lewis Hamilton shocked many by stating that if he had been to win one other world title, for him, it could be his… first. “It’s not about successful an eighth title—for me, it could be the primary, my first World Championship with Ferrari. It might imply changing into a part of this crew’s historical past.”
And once more: “If I had been lucky sufficient to win one other title, which is clearly what we’re working in direction of, I don’t see myself able to cease.” This response got here when requested whether or not he can be ready to depart if, on the finish of 2025, he discovered himself celebrating an eighth world championship. The reply was clear—no. His need is to proceed, as his two-year contract signed in January 2024 already suggests.
In Hamilton’s perfect situation, Charles Leclerc additionally performs a key function. On this case, Lewis confirmed what Charles himself had beforehand talked about—that the beginning of their working and private relationship has been glorious.
“We’ve got a fantastic relationship, and I take into account him a really sturdy driver. A few years in the past in Bahrain (in 2019, throughout Leclerc’s second race with Ferrari when he misplaced the victory as a consequence of an influence unit problem), I stated he had a shiny future forward of him. At the moment, Charles is simply 27 years outdated and may be very mature for his age—in all probability extra mature than I used to be at 27. He’s very skilled, well-integrated throughout the crew, and clearly very a lot liked. It gained’t be straightforward to beat him, however we are going to work collectively to make sure the crew strikes in the proper route.”
In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton can also be persevering with his efforts to study Italian—an indication of respect for the crew but in addition a further method to combine completely into the working group. “For a few years, I’ve dreamed of studying one other language, however for the English, it’s not straightforward as a result of, ultimately, we’re not pressured to. However I need folks to know that I care, that I’m actually keen to do no matter it takes to slot in. It’s a troublesome problem, however I like being on the manufacturing unit in Maranello as a result of it additionally permits me to apply on daily basis.”
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